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Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2026Special issue: Delayed reproduction
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Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften Austrian Academy of Sciences Press
A-1011 Wien, Dr. Ignaz Seipel-Platz 2
Tel. +43-1-515 81/DW 3420, Fax +43-1-515 81/DW 3400 https://verlag.oeaw.ac.at, e-mail: verlag@oeaw.ac.at |
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DATUM, UNTERSCHRIFT / DATE, SIGNATURE
BANK AUSTRIA CREDITANSTALT, WIEN (IBAN AT04 1100 0006 2280 0100, BIC BKAUATWW), DEUTSCHE BANK MÜNCHEN (IBAN DE16 7007 0024 0238 8270 00, BIC DEUTDEDBMUC)
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Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2026, pp. , 2026/08/05
Special issue: Delayed reproduction
This study examines the mechanisms shaping reproductive intentions in Mexico City, a distinctive lowest-low fertility context characterised by fertility limitation without systematic postponement. As a critical case combining very low fertility (quantum) with stable timing (tempo), it challenges conventional demographic accounts that inherently link fertility decline to postponement. Based on 26 semi-structured in-depth interviews with nulliparous and parity-one women aged 25–49, this qualitative research explores how these mechanisms are associated with intentions to postpone or limit childbearing; how these orientations are interrelated; and under what circumstances sustained postponement becomes associated with the intention to limit childbearing. The findings identify four mechanisms: individualism and self-fulfilment; structural uncertainty; parenting and care; and partner dynamics.While the intention to postpone childbearing is heavily driven by individualism and self-fulfilment, the decision to limit reproduction is largely driven by the contemporary crisis of parenting and care. Partner dynamics and structural uncertainty operate transversally across the two orientations. This study demonstrates the inherent dynamism of women’s reproductive intentions, which are frequently marked by ambivalence and periods of indecision across the life course.
Keywords: Reproductive intentions • Postponement and limitation • Lowest-low fertility • Qualitative methods • Mexico City